Monthong originate from Thailand Monthong means Golden Pillow in Thai and in Vietnam. Monthong is probably the most well know widespread durian in Vietnam; It’s also the most famous exported variety. Due to the Monthong characteristics and location of cultivation, very few grow Monthong compare to the other durian variety in Vietnam.
The fruit is large, often 3-5 kilos per fruit and is characterised by large round or oval spikes. The flesh of the fruit is very meaty and can be considered one of the least pungent in both aroma and flavour. It’s rich and sweet. Monthong has many small, shrunken (aborted) seeds. This cultivar is very good for processing into preserved frozen pulps. It bears fruit after 8 year.
Underneath the spiny surface, there is a white, spongy interior with multiple chambers encasing lobes of flesh. Each flesh lobe has a semi-firm surface, revealing a thick, creamy, and buttery-soft interior with small, hard seeds. Monthong durians have a mild aroma compared to other durian varieties and a rich, sweet, warm, and complex flavoring described as a blend of vanilla, caramel, pepper, and sulfur notes.
Monthong durian is focusingly cultivated in Central Highlands Viet Nam and some areas in Mekong Delta. They are also exported fresh and frozen worldwide
Dated 27 September, 2024